I pour another glass, got to get some sleep
Pictures of the past rolling over me
Big moon on the rise, comes to read my mind
When you’re running from yourself
There’s no good place to hide
Tide is rising, and I’m riding
Waves
They take me down, no one here gonna save me now
Waves
They knock me off my feet
Waves
Now I understand, I see her face, I see her hand
And she waves, then fades away from me
We made love and war
Got too far from the shore
Thought you were waving, you were drowning
Our footprints in the sand
Water through my hand
I just can’t wrap my arms around you
Tide is rising, and I’m riding
Waves
They take me down, no one here gonna save me now
Waves
They knock me off my feet
Waves
Now I understand, I see her face, I see her hand
And she waves, then fades away from me
Put our boat out on the river
Never made it to the sea
I thought we were being reckless
You thought we were being free
Now I dream we’re in the ocean
And I’m sinking as you drift away from me
Tide is rising, and I’m riding
Waves
They take me down, no one here gonna save me now
Waves
They knock me off my feet
Waves
Now I understand, I see her face, I see her hand
And she waves, then fades away from me
She waves, then fades away from me
Riding the Emotional Tides in Bon Jovi’s “Waves”
“Waves” by Bon Jovi uses evocative ocean imagery to capture the turbulence of heartbreak and the struggle of letting go. The lyrics paint a picture of someone haunted by memories, where the past rolls in like relentless tides, making it impossible to hide from pain. The recurring metaphor of waves—overwhelming, knocking the narrator off their feet—mirrors the emotional ups and downs after losing a loved one. Moments of tenderness and regret emerge as the song explores the blurred line between love and loss. The act of waving goodbye becomes a poignant symbol for both farewell and the realization that some connections slip away no matter how hard we try to hold on.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bon Jovi
- Release Year: 2024